Using the new Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM) included with Virtual I/O Server V1.2,
companies can more cost-effectively consolidate multiple partitions onto a single server. With its
intuitive browser-based interface, the IVM is easy to use and significantly reduces the time and
effort required to manage virtual devices and partitions. IVM is available on these IBM systems:

System p5 505, 520, and 550

eServer® p5 510, 520, and 550

OpenPower 710 and 720

VIOS is part of the Advanced POWER Virtualization hardware feature on System p5 and eServer p5
systems and part of the POWER Hypervisor and VIOS feature (#1965) on OpenPower systems. It is a
single-function appliance that resides in an IBM POWER5 partition and facilitates the sharing of
physical I/O resources between client partitions (AIX® or Linux) within the server. VIOS
provides virtual SCSI target and shared Ethernet adapter (SEA) virtual I/O function to client LPARs.

The Advanced POWER Virtualization hardware feature includes:

Micropartitioning support for a single processor being shared by up to 10 logical partitions

Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM): IVM is a browser-based system management interface that
you can use to manage a single managed system without a Hardware Management Console (HMC). The VIOS
in a managed system can use IVM to create logical partitions on a single managed system, manage the
virtual storage and virtual Ethernet on the managed system, and view service information related to
the managed system.

A reduction of SAN infrastructure (HBAs, cables, switch ports, and so on)

Virtual SCSI

In terms of disk storage, VIOS is a standard storage subsystem that
provides standard SCSI-compliant LUNs. VIOS can take a pool of
heterogeneous physical storage attached to its back end and export it as
a homogeneous pool of block storage in the form of SCSI disks. VIOS is a
localized storage subsystem. Unlike typical storage subsystems that are
physically located in the SAN, the SCSI devices exported by VIOS are
limited to the domain within the server (or chassis). Although the SCSI
LUNs are SCSI-compliant, they may not meet the needs of all applications,
particularly those that exist in a distributed environment.

A VIOS can have a shared Ethernet adapter (SEA) that allows LPARs on the
virtual Ethernet (VLAN) to share the access to a physical Ethernet
adapter and communicate with systems outside the server. This function
enables LPARs on the internal VLAN to share the VLAN with stand-alone
servers on the outside VLAN.

Business Partner information

If you are a Direct Reseller - System Reseller acquiring products from IBM, you may link directly to
Business Partner information for this announcement. A PartnerWorld ID and password are required
(use IBM ID).

Hardware requirements:
In order to take full advantage of the new function available with VIOS V1.2 (and in order to
use Integrated Virtualization Manager), it is necessary to update the firmware to level SF235 or
later.

Limitations

HMC considerations when using IVM:

IVM and HMC management are mutually exclusive. Connecting an HMC to an IVM-managed system will
automatically disable IVM, thus requiring users to re-create their logical partition configuration
either manually or from backups.

IVM limitations:

The IVM contains a number of restrictions and limitations that do not exist in an HMC-managed
environment. These include, but are not limited to the following:

All I/O for client partitions is virtualized; the client partition cannot own any physical I/O.

DLPAR is not supported on client partitions.

There is no support for Virtual I/O Servers.

For more information, refer to the Virtual I/O Server documentation Web site

Software Maintenance (SWMA)

For each VIOS V1.2 (5765-G34) license ordered, an order for either the one-year (5771-VIO) or
three-year (5773-VIO) SWMA must also be submitted. SWMA for VIOS is priced based on per processor,
by processor group.

A separate after-license-charge (ALC) (5771-VAL) will be applied to the orders of customers who have
allowed their SWMA agreements to expire.

Customers should select from the following table for their SWMA coverage:

SWMA for Virtual I/O Server

SWMA renewals for VIOS are handled with ITS through the CHIS system. For more information, refer to
Software withdrawal
904-139
, dated July 13, 2004.

Feature withdrawal:
The following features are withdrawn effective October 31, 2005. All renewals in the U.S.
will be handled with ITS directly through the CHIS system.

Processor Program Feature
Description group number number
SWMA for Virtual I/O Server 5771-VAL
Per Processor E5 0621
Per Processor F5 0622

Upgrades:
Upgrades are done through an existing SWMA contract. Customers who have SWMA and want to get
an upgrade should place an SPO order (#0999) for delivery of media and hardcopy entitled
publications for VIOS V1.2 (5765-G34).